Sandbags

Missoula County has a cache of sandbags and sand that is used to protect critical public infrastructure and mitigate erosion. Protection of private property is the responsibility of the property owner.

At this time Missoula County Public Works has a limited supply of free, unfilled sandbags available to the public. Unfilled sandbags can be picked up at 6089 Training Drive (west of the Missoula Int'l Airport).

Several area businesses* may also carry sandbags and sand. Below are a few options:

Far West Rock

728-8500

Home Depot

523-0901

Knife River

543-0088

Lowes

329-1800

MT Flasher and Barricade

542-2701

Murdoch's

549-2355

Mutual Materials

549-2011

Time Rental

543-7136

Western Excavating

728-1400

*Missoula County does not endorse one business over another.

Sandbagging Techniques

Sandbagging is labor intensive and hard physical work. Be aware of your physical limitations when sandbagging and use sound body mechanics to avoid injury. For some helpful guidelines on placement methods and filling techniques, please review the US Army Corp of Engineers Sandbagging Pamphlet.

Missoula Conservation District Sandbag Policy

The following policy applies to all persons using sandbags to protect a structure near streams and rivers within Missoula Conservation District jurisdiction in Missoula County:

Missoula Conservation District recognizes the placement of sandbags as a temporary emergency protection measure for structures. An emergency is defined as an unforeseen event or combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to safeguard human life, animal life, or property (including growing crops), without time to obtain a 310 permit.

Sandbags must be removed immediately following the end of the emergency. An emergency 310 permit is not required for sandbag placement. However, when sandbags are placed to protect a structure that is near a stream or river, Missoula Conservation District must be notified as to where and when they are placed as well as notified when they are removed. An absolute deadline for removal of sandbags is set at the end of the business day on July 15, annually. If this policy is not adhered to, you will be in violation of the 310 law.

For more information contact Missoula Conservation District at (406) 829-3395 ext.101